insight

Joseph Goldstein

Insight Hours

Joseph  Goldstein

The Study

Sharon Salzberg - Ep. 19 - Greed, Hatred, And Delusion

‘The mind is naturally radiant and pure. The mind is shining. It is because of visiting forces that we suffer’ - The Buddha

Sharon identifies and thoroughly deconstructs some of the more common obstacles encountered in practice, emphasizing the non-local aspect of these intruding forces. The implications of this discovery, and continued remembrance through practice, help us to better understand the importance of knowing who we truly are. When we are at one with our true nature we no longer feel the pull toward identification with these frequent visitors.  We can learn to skillfully acknowledge their presence and even invite them in, knowing and trusting that they are not to become permanent residents 


Sharon Salzberg Metta Hour - Ep. 20. The Five Hindrances

In Joseph's first podcast for the Be Here Now Network he clearly brings to light the sometimes very difficult convoluted notion of emptiness.  As the high Lama Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche says,"When you recognize the empty selfless nature of phenomena the energy to bring about the good of others dawns uncontrived and effortless."

Joseph Goldstein - Insight Hour - Ep. 1 - Zero Centre Of Emptiness

“Everything changes.” - Suzuki Roshi

Our awareness alone is not sufficient in the search for liberation. We must learn to become present in order to question and further explore the nature of our existence. Investigation becomes a crucial factor in both the cultivation and application of true wisdom. One of the most accessible methods for the development of this wisdom is to practice an increasingly refined awareness of impermanence. This assimilation must move beyond the conceptual knowledge into a realm of direct and immediate experience. The closer we are to the experience of change the more the mind is able to let go.

Joseph Goldstein - Insight Hour - Ep. 2 - The Wisdom Of Impermanence

Delusion clouds our judgment and prevents us from seeing things as they truly are. It often carries with it a sense of apprehension or uncertainty, which strips us of the energy required to look deeply at our lives. One of the greatest dangers is its ability to block empathy, which can be viewed as the root of caring. If we can’t open to our own suffering, then we become incapable of opening to the suffering of others. Sharon discusses the ways that we can both recognize and dismantle delusion in an effort to gain clarity and confidence in where we chose to put our faith.

Sharon Salzberg Metta Hour - Ep. 22 - The Cloud of Delusion

Our thoughts and emotions have the unique ability to condition both our suffering and our well-being. A deeper investigation regarding the relative versus ultimate truths of our experience becomes crucial in learning to work more skillfully with these predominant aspects of our lives. A natural balance is necessary in the application of this deeper knowledge; to both prevent attachment to or avoidance of any one modality of thinking. This merging in awareness of our emptiness and our soulful expression is a profound step in the maturation of spiritual practice  


Joseph Goldstein - Insight Hour - Ep. 3 - Merging Awareness And Expression

“It’s not difficult to be aware, it’s difficult to remember to be aware.”

Joseph explores the quality of mind known in Pali as Viriya, and explains the variety of ways that it can be experienced. In its basic form the term refers to the energy that allows us to engage with the world around us. The art of meditation involves learning how to cultivate this quality in an effort to apply it in useful and appropriate ways.  Wisdom comes through a gradual process, requiring a steady flow of energy to be both initiated and sustained. Viriya provides the crucial factor needed for wisdom to continue to grow throughout our lives.


Joseph Goldstein - Insight Hour - Ep. 4 - Viriya - Energy, Strength And Courage

“Realized is the unconditioned, achieved is the end of craving”

Can we really even imagine a mind that is free of craving, free of desire? We might occasionally glimpse this potential but often view it as something far off in the future, to be discovered only when we have mastered our minds. Joseph discusses both the possibility and the practice for bringing an end to craving in the moment. The process begins with the recognition of our arising desires and their ability to obscure our clarity and natural openness of mind. We can then be aware of the quality of mind in the absence of these desires. By closely and consistently observing this transition we are examining the very nature of its energy, and moving that much closer to the understanding and lessening of its influence.

Joseph Goldstien - Insight Hour - Ep. 5 - Achieved Is The End Of Craving

Joseph discusses some of the more seductive energies highlighted by the Buddha. These energetic fields operate on a broad spectrum, from the subtle identification with consciousness itself to the full on emotional breakdown. Learning to recognize the basic nature and allure of these qualities through practice is crucial in successfully changing our relationship to them. An attitude of genuine interest and exploration promotes both the discovery and understanding of these hindrances. The cultivation of mindfulness brings space and stability to an otherwise volatile dynamic.

Joseph Goldstein - Insight Hour - Ep. 6 - Working With Doubt And Aversion

Joseph is joined by long-time friend and fellow BHNN ambassador, Raghu Markus, for an in-depth discussion about the value of kindness in our speech. How we say what we are feeling is often as important as what we are saying. Additional topics covered include how we relate to pleasure (distinguishing between love and desire), recognizing our conditioning, and the significance of right view in daily life as we attempt to fully embody the law of Karma, understanding that what we do, moment-to moment, matters.


Joseph Goldstein - Insight Hour - Ep. 9 - Sampapalapa: Useless Speech

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Terence Mckenna - Reclaim your mind

Ram Dass discusses an experience he had taking LSD in Mexico.

Ram Dass on Psychedelics In Mexico

11. Judging vs Discriminating

The Be Here Now Network is dedicated to the gathering and dissemination of spiritual talks, podcasts and writings of master teachers of Spirituality, Mindfulness and Meditation. Our core teachers and thought leaders include Ram Dass, Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, Lama Surya Das, Krishna Das, Joseph Goldstein, Danny Goldberg, Chris Grosso and the Mindrolling Podcast.

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